2013 Masters: Tiger Woods Has to Play Well to Prove He is Back

By Jared Porter

The stage is set for the 2013 Masters tournament, and all eyes are once again on Tiger Woods. After his hot start to the 2013 season with three wins in four starts, Woods is the favorite to win the tournament; but since he has not won the Masters in eight years, should he be the favorite?

The argument over whether Woods is back to his regular form will not be settled until he wins a major championship, which he has not done in almost five years. He has undoubtedly shown as of late that he can win tournaments, but his critics are still waiting for him to win one that matters.

With his life seemingly on track after his marriage collapsed just three and a half years ago, he has the opportunity to get the monkey off his back and win a major tournament — but he has to play like Tiger Woods.

Augusta is not the best suited course for Woods. He will have to drive the ball very well, or else he will be punished. The course is filled with a lot of trees and brush that could come into play if the right shots are not hit. Woods has been struggling with his driver this year despite his top finishes. He has only hit 55.8 percent of his fairways, which is good for 147th among PGA Tour players.

Woods will have to continue his great putting in order to win the 2013 Masters. Woods is known as one of the best putters in the world, currently ranking first in putting from distances of 15-25 feet. He is in the top 50 in every putting category within 25 feet. Basically, If he is capable of putting the golf ball anywhere on the green, he always has a chance at sinking it.

The 2013 Masters will be very entertaining to watch with Woods in the mix. Many are pulling for him to get back to his winning ways, and a win at the historic Augusta National golf course would be a great place to start.